Convertible field apparatus.



J. J. STOEHR. CONVERTIBLE FIELD APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILEDSEPT.18,1912v SI h we nto'z Patented Sept. 2, 1913.

JOHN JOSEPH STOEHR, OF BROOKLYN, YNEW YORK.

CONVERTIBLE FIELD AFPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 2, 1913.

Application filed September 18, 1912. Serial No. 720,987.

1' all whom It may concern:

Be it known that I, J 01m J osErrr S'ronna, a citizen of the UnitedStates, and a residentof Brooklyn, in the county of Queens and State ofNew York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inConvertible Field Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in convertible field apparatus,particularly adapted for use by army corps or similar bodies of men.

lls objects are, first, to provide an etlicient field table, desk,stretcher or hospital accesso y, so constructed that it can be readilyarranged for its several purposes or for transportation.

A. second object is to so arrange the parts that when it is desired totransport the apparatus it may be divided into sections one portionbeing carried by each of two men and in such manner as in no wise tointer fete with the ordinary use of their limbs or to impede theirmovement. And finally, to provide such apparatus of a design cm bodyingextreme lightness, combined with adequate strength and rigidity towithstand tbc severe and rough usage such devices are. liable to besubjected to.

These objects are attained by the novel construction of partshereinafter fully described and shown in the accompanying drawings,forming parts of this specification, and in whieh:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the apparatus extended as usedfor a cot or stretcher. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the same arranged asa desk or hospital accessory. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of theapparatus reversed and arranged as a fieldtablc. Fig. 4 is a viewshowing the apparatus folded into its least compass. Fig. 5 is aperspective view showing a separate portion ready to be taken on theback of a carrier, Fig. 6 is a similar View of the remaining sectionprepared for like transportation, and Fig. 7 is a cross sectional viewtaken on Fig. 1, showing the construct-ion of the hinged joints.

Like characters of reference denote like parts throughout the severalviews.

The invention comprises two similar pairs of bars 10 and 11, the latterbeing preferably souuwvhat longer, formed with an offset por tion 12 andterminating outwardly in enlarged ends 13; these bars may be made ofchrome'nickel steel tubes formed into such cross section as is bestadapted for the purpose, while that at 12 is made of such shape as tofit the hands; the enlargement 13 prevents the hands from slip ing offthe ends and also affords a secure ootm when disposed as indicated inFigs. 2 an 3:

The inner ends of the bars 10 and. 11 are rigidly connected by alaterally disposed cross bar 14 having formed therewith a pluralityofprojections 15 the same being bored to act as hinge members inconnection with similar engaging members 16 formed -on the ad: jacentlydisposed cross bar 17 which connects the ends of the horizontallydisposed rails 19, the latter being in ettect a continua,- tion of thebars 10 and 11. Passing through the bore of these hinge members 15 and16. are rods 20 which act as pivots therefor and. have at one endscrew-threaded winged nuts 21 seating against one of the outer hingemembers; on the other side, at the 0p osite ends of the rods arehand-whee s or knurled heads 22 the arrangementbeing such that the pivotrods may act also as clamp screws binding the hinge joints rigidly inany adjusted position whenever 'it may be desired; these rods may alsobe entirely withdrawn and replaced in position in one set of hingemembers only to prevent them from becoming mislaid when the hinge jointsare disassociated.

.-Loop brackets or feet 23 are secured on the outside of thebars 10 and11, and rails 19, the same being so spaced that each pair may take theload proportionately when used as indicated in Fig. 1; these feet may beriveted, welded or otherwise united in place in any approved manner.

Extending from side to side over the bars 10 are coverings 2t which maybe either metallic, as aluminum plates, or textile fabrics, as strongduck, canvas or the like, a similar covering 25 is provided over thespace between the rails 19 and also over a portion of the bars 11, as at26; at the edges between the bars are cross rails 27 and 28respectively; to the latter is attached a plate 29 by hinges so that itmay lay flat or be raised at an angle as shown in Fig. 1; midway alongthe edges of this plate are pivotally connected braces 30 having loopedmembers 31 capable of being engaged with pins 32 or other analogoussecuring means set in the sides of the bars 11 for supporting the plate29. Below, or under the plates 24, 26 and 29 are secured two pairs ofstraps 33, made adjustable for length and arranged to be convenientlyapplied to the shoulders of carriersfwhen the apparatus is separatedinto sections to make the burden more easily carried; parts contactingwith the person of the carrier may be covered with leather or cushionedif desired.

The operation of assembling or dismounting and of forming the apparatusinto the several arrangements indicated will be obvious from theforegoing description and the drawings.

I am aware that convertible furniture is commijn, hence do not claimsuch features as invention, but I am not cognizant that convertibleapparatus capable of complete disassociation for transportation existsand particularly any of a kind that can be carried'by a common soldierwithout in any way interfering with the use of his arms or weapons,either in action or in marching.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Let ters Patent, is.: 1

1. In an apparatus of the class described,

the combination with hollow handle bars, of intermediate bars betweensaid handle bars, hinged connections between said intertion, andcarrying means consisting of straps adapted to be worn by a carrier.

2. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with hollowhandle bars, of intermediate bars between said handle bars, hingedconnections between said intermediate bars and said handle bars, meanscombined with said hinged connections whereby they may be rigidlyclamped in any angular ad ustment within the radius of their action, athat covering overlying each section, a plate hinged at one edge to oneof said sections, means for adjusting the inclination of said plate, anda pair of shoulder straps combined with each handle bar section. i

3. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with hollowhandle bars, of intermediate bars between said handle bars, hingedconnections interposed at the joints therebetween, means combined withsaid hinged connections whereby they may be rigidly clamped in anyadjustment below the normal level plane of operation, said meanspermitting of complete disassoriatiou into separate units and a carryingmeans comprised of shoulder straps combined with each unit. A

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN JOSEPH STOEIIR.

Witnesses:

WARREN E. W'iLms, CHARLES R. KnUIcoER.

